Biking is one of the most popular outdoor activities among Kiwis. From mountain biking the lush trails of Queenstown, to family rides around Christchurch, New Zealanders love their two-wheelers to explore the stunning landscapes. But taking your bikes on the road can be challenging, especially on long distance journey. That’s where bike racks enter the picture.
A good bike rack provides easy and safe transport for your bikes on your vehicle’s tow bar. Tow bar bike racks are a popular choice among Kiwis as they are sturdy and secure. In this post, we will review the top 6 tow bar bike racks available in New Zealand.
Top 6 Bike Racks for Tow Bar in New Zealand
#1:- VelociRAX 6
The VelociRAX 6 is a heavy-duty bike rack capable of transporting up to 6 bikes at a time. Ideal for families, friends or biking buddies looking to travel together. This is a very sturdy steel-made rack in top-quality steel. It accepts mountain bikes, e-bikes, and normal bikes without difficulty.
One of the most appealing aspects of the VelociRAX 6 is the vertical design. The bikes hang vertically, so they don’t touch one another. That preserves your bikes from scratches and damage while transporting. A built-in hydraulic system further assists in lowering the rack smoothly. You don’t have to get heavy bicycles too high, so anyone can load and unload the bikes easily.
It attaches easily to your tow bar and is extremely stable while in motion. It also features locks to ensure your bikes are safe when parked. It’s a good option for anyone carrying multiple bikes, particularly a large family.
#2:- Thule T2 Pro XTR
Thule T2 Pro XTR is another popular bike rack for a tow bar. Carries two bikes but can be expanded to carry four (with an add-on). It is ideal for use with mountain bikes, e-bikes and fat bikes.
The Thule T2 Pro XTR holds bikes by the wheels, leaving the frame free of contact. This protects the paint and frame of your bike. It employs a tool-free AutoAttach system that allows for fast, easy installation. You can also tilt the rack down, even while loaded with bikes. This means you can reach your car’s boot without having to take off the bikes.
What is another great feature of this rack is that most of them include integrated wheels. When you take it off the car, you can roll the rack, which makes for easy storage. The rack even has locks built in to secure your bikes. The Thule T2 Pro XTR is a high-end rack for anyone who values quality, security, and ease of use.
#3:- Buzzrack Scorpion Pro 3
For just under a couple of grands, Buzzrack’s Scorpion Pro 3 is a well-built, though inexpensive option for hauling up to three bikes. This one works on the tow vehicle and is really simple to use. The rack is platform style, meaning the bikes rest on a tray. This means it’s easy to load and unload even heavy bikes.
Just like the Scorpion Pro, this version can also carry different types of e-bikes, fat bikes, or mountain bikes. It provides adjustable wheel holders and frame clamps to secure both bikes. The rack can also tilt down, allowing you to access the boot of your car without having to remove the bikes.
Another best feature of this rack is that it folds up when not in use. That makes it easy to store in your garage or your car boot. It comes with locks and features to secure your bicycles. With its rugged build and user-friendly ease of use at a reasonable price point, the Buzzrack Scorpion Pro 3 would serve well as a basic rack for many cyclists.
#4:- Yakima JustClick 3
If you have a 2-inch receiver and need to carry three bikes, you might want to try the Yakima JustClick 3. Well designed, very easy to use. Its “click” system attaches to your tow bar, requiring no tools for installation.
JustClick 3 transports various types of bicycles, including e-bikes and mountain bikes. It features robust wheel holders and adjustable straps to secure the bikes. The rack also tilts down, allowing you to open the boot without removing the bikes.
It also has a low profile and can be folded when not in use. It also has built-in lights + number plate holder to make it road-safe & legal in New Zealand. The Yakima JustClick 3 is a dependable and straightforward rack, ideal for weekend jaunts and family visits.
#5:- Thule EasyFold XT 2
This is another user-friendly bike rack, and is very common in New Zealand. This rack is sturdy enough to haul heavy bikes — e-bikes and mountain bikes.
It is very easy to operate as you don’t have to lift the bikes too high to get them on. The system includes adjustable wheel straps and frame clamps that hold the bikes securely in place. Perhaps the most exciting detail here is that the rack can be compacted into a small shape for storage. It even comes with wheels, so you can roll it around like a suitcase.
A special feature is the tilt function, so you can access your boot without taking away the bikes. It also features built-in locks to prevent your bikes from being stolen. The Thule EasyFold XT 2 is great for couples or small families who want a durable, lightweight, and simple bike rack.
#6:- Yakima HoldUp EVO
Yakima HoldUp EVO is designed to hold two bikes and is a great choice for mountain bikes, road bikes, and fat bikes. It supports bikes by their wheels, meaning the frame never touches the rack. This protects your bike from scratches.
Super quick to fix on your tow bar, the HoldUp EVO features a tool-free installation system. It also includes the ability to tilt down to access the boot, allowing you to do so without removing the bike. When not in use, the rack can be folded up to free up space.
This rack is very secure, with both the bikes and the rack itself locking into place. It also features adjustable trays to prevent bike-to-bike contact. You can purchase an add-on, if necessary, to transport up to four bikes. Overall, the Yakima HoldUp EVO is a great choice for those looking for a strong, easy, and stylish way to get their bikes to the trailhead.
Conclusion
Bike racks are highly sought after in New Zealand, allowing you to easily bring bikes along on road trips and outdoor adventures. If you ride alone, as a couple, a family or a mixture, there is a tow bar bike rack for you. The VelociRAX 6 is well-suited for large crews, while the Thule EasyFold XT 2 is ideal for just two people. For a good price/quality ratio, the Buzzrack Scorpion Pro 3 is perfect. Simply choose the one that fits your requirements and bike easily and securely in and around New Zealand.
Last modified: March 28, 2025
